In a less-than-ideal start to their Africa Cup of Nations campaign, Nigeria faced disappointment with a 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea in their opening match.
Despite Victor Osimhen swiftly responding to Ivan Salvador’s early goal, the home team couldn’t secure a decisive second-half victory.
Jose Peseiro’s squad dominated the initial 45 minutes, yet Equatorial Guinea capitalized on their first significant chance, with Ivan Salvador finding the net after a precise pass from Pepin. Napoli striker Victor Osimhen quickly equalized, heading in Lookman’s cross just a minute later.
The second half presented challenges for Nigeria, struggling to maintain possession and create opportunities against Equatorial Guinea’s solid defense.
Although Alex Iwobi’s exceptional pass set up a promising one-on-one situation for Osimhen, the Napoli striker narrowly missed, sending his low effort wide of the post.
Despite late-game threats from Peseiro’s side, Equatorial Guinea effectively held off Osimhen and company until the final whistle. The draw places Nigeria in the second spot in Group A, trailing Ivory Coast by two points.
